Reds Decline Qualifying Offers to Stephenson and Singer
The Cincinnati Reds declined qualifying offers to catcher Tyler Stephenson and pitcher Brady Singer on November 2, passing on a $23.1 million offer for each player for 2027.
On November 2, Cincinnati declined to extend qualifying offers to Tyler Stephenson and Brady Singer. The offers were valued at $23.1 million for the 2027 season. The decisions leave the Reds able to consider bringing either player back on different terms as they address several roster needs this offseason.
Stephenson played 130 games in 2026, batting .241 with 15 home runs, 22 doubles and 54 RBIs. His .727 OPS and 101 OPS+ put him just above league-average offensively. Cincinnati still has Jose Trevino under contract for 2027, but retaining Stephenson at a reasonable price could avoid adding another starting-catcher question while the club also looks to improve its outfield, infield and pitching.
Singer made 31 starts but struggled, going 6-15 with a 5.85 ERA in 157 innings. He gave up 188 hits and 32 home runs, while striking out 126 and walking 62. His performance deteriorated late in the season: he had a 6.55 ERA over his final 15 starts, then a 10.63 ERA across his last seven. His availability provided innings, but Cincinnati needs more consistent results from its rotation. A return could make sense if Singer’s market weakens and the cost is team-friendly; otherwise, the Reds may look elsewhere.